Essentials
5 belts and leather goods every man needs
By sneakersInn team · Updated
The five leather goods every man needs are a dark brown dress belt, a black dress belt, a casual belt, a slim wallet and a leather bag. They are worn every day, so good leather in plain colours pays back many times over, as long as you look after it in Accra's heat and humidity.
| Item | What to choose | Wear it with |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brown dress belt | Smooth leather, 3 to 3.5 cm wide, simple buckle | Navy and grey suits, chinos, brown shoes |
| 2. Black dress belt | Smooth leather, same width, silver buckle | Charcoal and black suits, black oxfords |
| 3. Casual belt | Suede, braided leather or canvas, 3.5 to 4 cm | Jeans, chinos, shorts, sneakers |
| 4. Slim wallet or card holder | Leather, holds 4 to 6 cards | Every day, in a front or jacket pocket |
| 5. Leather bag | Briefcase, backpack or tote in brown or black | Office, travel, weekends |
1. Why a brown belt first?
Because brown shoes are the most worn by most men, and brown goes with navy, grey, khaki and olive. A dark brown belt in smooth leather with a plain buckle covers the office, church and most events.
2. When do I need a black belt?
With black shoes. Black oxfords are the formal shoe for funerals, interviews and evening events, so a black belt is essential once you own them. Keep it slim and plain. See derbies, oxfords and loafers explained.
3. What is a casual belt?
A belt meant for jeans, chinos and shorts. It is usually a little wider, in suede, braided leather, canvas or a rougher leather. It suits sneakers and loafers and looks wrong with a suit.
4. Why a slim wallet?
A thick wallet ruins the line of trousers and is bad for your back if you sit on it. A slim wallet or card holder with only what you need, in a front pocket or jacket pocket, keeps outfits looking clean. Most men now carry most money on mobile money; a card holder is often enough.
5. Which leather bag?
The one your day needs. A briefcase or structured backpack for an office job, a tote for weekends, a weekender for travel. Brown leather ages well and goes with more; black looks sharper with formal outfits.
How do I size a belt?
Your belt size is usually your trouser waist size plus about 5 cm (2 inches). Measure an existing belt from the buckle's bend to the hole you use. A good fit closes on the middle hole, with the tip reaching past the first belt loop but not the second.
How do I care for leather in Accra?
Heat and humidity are hard on leather. It can dry and crack in harmattan and grow mould in the rainy season. Five habits help:
- Condition belts, bags and wallets every two or three months with a leather cream.
- Let it breathe. Store leather in a cotton bag, not plastic, which traps moisture.
- Keep it out of the sun. Direct sun dries and fades leather.
- Wipe off sweat. Belts and straps absorb sweat; wipe them with a slightly damp cloth.
- Rotate belts. Alternating between two belts lets each recover its shape.
Our guide to keeping clothes looking new in humid weather covers mould and storage in more detail.
How do I match leather?
Keep leathers in the same colour family: brown belt, brown shoes, brown watch strap; or black with black. The shades don't need to match exactly; the family does. See colour matching for men.
Questions
Do I need a belt with every pair of trousers?
If they have belt loops, wear a belt. Trousers with side adjusters or a drawstring are made to be worn without one.
Reversible belts: good idea?
They save space and money, and work fine for business casual. The buckle is usually the weak point, so check it is solid metal.
What else finishes an outfit?
See the 5 accessories that finish every man's outfit and the 5 watch styles every man should know.